Pirates Officially Schedule Jared Jones' Long-Awaited Return
One of the best starting rotations in MLB is about to get even stronger as the Pittsburgh Pirates announced that Jared Jones will make his return on Friday night.
It's been a long road to recovery for Jones, who underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in May of last year. The elbow ailment had bothered Jones since Spring Training, forcing him to miss his preseason start. After a couple of months of rehab and no improvement, Jones went under the knife on May 21st. Nearly one year to the day, Jones will make his return to the Pirates' rotation against the Minnesota Twins.
Jared Jones starting Friday.#Pirates manager Don Kelly pic.twitter.com/ExzjkygNbA
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) May 28, 2026
Jones has always been a prospect of high pedigree after the Pirates drafted him in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He made the Opening Day lineup in 2024, and in 22 starts, Jones posted a 4.14 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, with an impressive 132 strikeouts in 121.2 innings of work.
To make room for Jones, the Pirates are shuffling Carmen Mlodzinski to the bullpen to take on a bulk relief role. Mlodzinski filled in well as a starter, posting a 4-3 record with a 3.76 ERA. Manager Don Kelly cited the issues that the bullpen has been having closing games out, and that he would deploy Mlodzinski as a "high-leverage bulk guy" to come in and seal a win for the club.
Tomorrow.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 28, 2026
https://t.co/rwNWAdkIGcpic.twitter.com/JTgqPfuGS6
Speaking to reporters, Kelly was clear in his confidence in Mlodzinski's ability: "If he can come in there, he may end up finishing the game. To have the length and ability to bounce back as he does, it's extremely valuable in the bullpen."
In his recent rehab assignment, Jones picked up where he left off in 2024. He impressed with a 2.89 ERA with 24 strikeouts in five appearances. Jones' trademark velocity was still there, but he took the time to improve his breaking and offspeed pitches while he was recovering. Adding an improved curveball and changeup to his arsenal will go a long way in making Jones a more complete pitcher.
Jones joins an already dangerous rotation, highlighted by last year's NL Cy Young Award winner, Paul Skenes. In his absence, Braxton Ashcraft has broken out, while Bubba Chandler has made strides and veteran Mitch Keller has been the consistent stalwart. The Pirates currently sit in last place in the highly competitive NL Central, but are just 5.5 games back of the division lead and one game out of the final NL Wild Card spot.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 1:33 PM.